Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Crockpot meals are the epitome of convenience and comfort, offering the perfect balance of ease and delicious flavor. Among the many recipes that can be made in a slow cooker, crockpot beef tips and noodles stands out as one of the most satisfying and hearty meals. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply craving a delicious homemade dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple, rich in flavor, and will leave you coming back for seconds!
Why Choose Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
When it comes to dinner ideas, crockpot meals are a lifesaver. They allow you to prepare a meal with minimal effort, yet the results are often spectacular. Beef tips and noodles are the perfect example of a dish that becomes more tender and flavorful the longer it cooks. The beef stew meat slow-cooked with seasonings, gravy, and creamy ingredients creates a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs perfectly with noodles. This recipe is ideal for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, yet still want a wholesome, filling meal.
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
To make this crockpot beef tips and noodles recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you will need:
1 lb of Stew Meat
Stew meat is the star of this recipe. It’s typically a tougher cut of beef that, when slow-cooked, becomes incredibly tender. The longer it cooks, the more it breaks down and absorbs the rich flavors around it.
1 Pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
This pre-made soup mix is a kitchen hack that adds an amazing amount of flavor with minimal effort. It blends perfectly with the beef and broth, giving the dish a savory base.
1 Pack of Brown Gravy Mix
Brown gravy mix is another essential ingredient that ensures the beef tips and noodles have a rich, comforting flavor. It adds depth and a velvety texture to the sauce.
1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz)
The cream of mushroom soup acts as a creamy base for the dish, enriching the gravy while adding a slight earthy flavor that complements the beef.
1 Small Can of Mushrooms
Canned mushrooms add texture and flavor to the dish. They blend well with the creamy mushroom soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
1 Can’s Worth of Beef Broth
Beef broth is crucial for cooking the stew meat to perfection. It imparts even more beefy flavor and moisture, ensuring that your beef tips are succulent and tender by the end of the cooking time.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the perfect pasta to serve alongside beef tips. They cook quickly, and their soft texture complements the richness of the beef and gravy. They’re also easy to prepare once the beef mixture is done.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s break down how to make this recipe:
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the stew meat into the crockpot. Add the Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, and small can of mushrooms. Don’t forget to add the beef broth, which you can pour directly into the cream of mushroom soup can to get the most out of it.
Step 2: Stir and Set to Cook
Give everything a good stir, ensuring that the seasonings and liquids are well-mixed with the beef. Set your crockpot to cook on low heat for 8 hours. This slow-cooking method is key to breaking down the meat and infusing it with all the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Once the 8 hours have passed and the beef is tender, it’s time to cook the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles, then add them to the crockpot, stirring gently to mix them with the beef and gravy.
Step 4: Let the Noodles Absorb the Flavor
Let the noodles sit in the crockpot for an additional 10–15 minutes to soak up the delicious gravy and flavor. Once the noodles are fully incorporated and the sauce has thickened slightly, your meal is ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crockpot beef tips and noodles hot and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Use Two Pounds of Meat: If you’re feeding a larger group, consider doubling the amount of stew meat to 2 lbs. The other ingredients can remain the same, ensuring that the flavors are still perfectly balanced.
- Beef Cuts Matter: While stew meat is the most common choice for this recipe, you can also use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or sirloin tips. These cuts are also great for slow cooking and become wonderfully tender when cooked low and slow.
- Add More Vegetables: If you like a heartier dish, you can add additional vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or even peas. These can be added to the crockpot at the start, and they’ll cook along with the beef for a more complete meal.
- Adjust the Gravy: If you like a thicker gravy, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water towards the end of the cooking time. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Creamy Twist: For an even creamier version of the dish, you can stir in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream after the noodles are added.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Nights
Crockpot beef tips and noodles is the perfect recipe for those busy evenings when you need to prepare a meal in advance but still want something delicious and filling. By using simple, pantry-staple ingredients and the slow cooker, you can have a flavorful dinner ready without the stress of constant monitoring. The beef will cook to perfection, and the noodles will soak up all the savory goodness, making for an incredibly satisfying meal.
How to Customize Your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can mix things up to suit your taste:
- Add different herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even parsley can add extra layers of flavor to the dish.
- Make it spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the meal a kick.
- Use a different type of pasta: If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, feel free to use any pasta of your choice, such as penne or rigatoni.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
In conclusion, crockpot beef tips and noodles is a meal that combines convenience, flavor, and satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that everyone at the table will love. So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal, make sure to try this recipe—you won’t regret it!